67 Head Installation and Gaskets

[Kirk M.]

As I prepare to install a correctly dated head on my car are there any nuances that I need to worry about.

1. Can I reuse the rocker arms that are currently there or is it a good idea to replace them since I'm replacing the head. Get new rocker arm hardware?

2. Any special instructions with type or style of gasket for the head.

Thanks.

Kirk

[Edward J.]

Re: 67 Head Installation and Gaskets

Kirk, always a good idea to inspect all moving parts while apart, rockers,push rods, maybe even rotate the engine and watch the lifters for up and down movement,should all be about the same.

gaskets used depend on if you want NCRS correct. the original steel headgaskets are reproduced as are the intake gaskets. other wise I perfer victor gaskets(napa) in the after market, Fel Pro is also a widely use gasket.

[Clem Z.]

Re: 67 Head Installation and Gaskets

As I prepare to install a correctly dated head on my car are there any nuances that I need to worry about.

1. Can I reuse the rocker arms that are currently there or is it a good idea to replace them since I'm replacing the head. Get new rocker arm hardware?

2. Any special instructions with type or style of gasket for the head.

Thanks.

Kirk

if you plan on using the rocker arms over again keep the rocker arms and balls together so not to mix thrm up

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 Head Installation and Gaskets

As I prepare to install a correctly dated head on my car are there any nuances that I need to worry about.

1. Can I reuse the rocker arms that are currently there or is it a good idea to replace them since I'm replacing the head. Get new rocker arm hardware?

2. Any special instructions with type or style of gasket for the head.

Thanks.

Kirk

Kirk------


1) I would CAREFULLY inspect the rocker arms in the area of the pad (the tip of the rocker which contacts the valve stem) and the rocker ball socket. If there is ANY wear, cracking, or pitting noted in these areas, then replace the rocker. If you replace any of the exhaust rockers, I would transfer a used, good rocker from an intake position to the exhaust position and use the new rocker on the intake. I would recommend replacing all the rocker arm nuts with new self-locking style nuts, as-original.

2) As far as the head gasket goes, I'd want to replace it with the same style and type as is used for the head you are not replacing.

[Edward J.]

Re: 67 Head Installation and Gaskets

Kirk, I take a piece of card board and mark a number it to the each cylinder put eight holes in it, put the push rod through the hole and each rocker through the rocker ball and that keeps everything on the same intake and exhaust valve. push rods should also be marked top and bottom.

[Kirk M.]

Re: 67 Head Installation and Gaskets

if you plan on using the rocker arms over again keep the rocker arms and balls together so not to mix thrm up

Clem,

What are the "balls"?

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 Head Installation and Gaskets

Clem,

What are the "balls"?

Kirk------

The rocker arm ball is the piece that is below the rocker arm nut and between the nut and the rocker arm. They are rounded on one side and flat on the other. The rocker arm pivots on the ball. The rocker arm ball rounded, bearing surface and the interfacing surface on the rocker arm should be in perfect condition if a rocker arm and ball are to be re-used. In addition, I would never replace a ball on a used rocker arm------if either the ball or the rocker are worn or damaged, I'd replace the both.

[Kirk M.]

Re: 67 Head Installation and Gaskets

Thanks, got out my How to Rebuild Chevy Small Block books and figured it out. As I have said before, this is learning experience for me - but one that so far, I have enjoyed a lot.

Kirk